Gerald Wayne Broussard

June 14, 1953 – December 29, 2021

A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Gerald Wayne Broussard a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Gerald was born on June 14, 1953 in Abbeville, Louisiana to Willis John Broussard and Thelma Marie Landry Broussard. He graduated from Delta Heritage High School in 1972. He married Patricia Ann Prest in May 26, 1973 and started their family. Gerald loved life, family and his friends and enjoyed them to the fullest. He is survived by his three sons and daughter and daughters-in-law, Jeremy and Wendy Broussard, Jason and Christy Broussard, Jon Broussard and Serra Thibodeaux and Jenny Broussard and grandchildren, Gabe, Ashton, Trevor, Annsley, Brayden, Tabitha, Johnny and Jacob. He is also survived by his brother Mark Broussard and Donna Broussard, nephew and niece Blake and Brooke Broussard LeBouef and Craig and Marybeth Broussard, nephew and niece Connor and Olivia. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Carol and Tim Simmons and nephews and niece Matthew, Jacob and Jill. Gerald is preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend Pat Broussard, parents, grandparents and many others who he will now rest in their arms. Visitation services will be held on Saturday January 22, 2022 at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pine Ridge Methodist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

Paul Lester Crawford

On Sunday, January 9, Paul Crawford passed away peacefully listening to the loving words of his daughter and son.

Born on February 12, 1951, he was given the name Paul Lester Crawford. He grew up in Bolivar, LA where he has always called home. He attended Spring Creek High School and was quite popular and showed tremendous athletic ability. He played every sport Spring Creek had to offer. He was elected “Most Athletic” his senior year. Once, his coach was getting together a group of athletes to compete in the Louisiana State Track and Field competition and decided that Paul should compete in the javelin throwing event. While Paul had never held a javelin let alone thrown one, the coach spent the afternoon showing him the mechanics of how to hold and throw a javelin. The next day, Paul competed in the state competition and won the javelin throwing event.

To those who knew Paul, you knew that he had an opinion on everything. He didn’t base his opinions on hear say. He researched all views and made his opinion based on what he considered facts and evidence. He never shied away from any topic including religion. Paul had read the Bible from front to back multiple times and even read the Quran to better understand the religion. Also, if you knew Paul you would know that unless you agree with his opinion, you had better have time for a lengthy debate in which you would either concede because he convinced you he was correct, or you just absolutely grew tired of arguing about it. You learned that it was simply easiest not to contradict him to begin with. Technology opened Paul’s opportunities to express his opinions via Facebook. There was always a controversy waiting to happen.

Paul was a good person. He was extremely compassionate. He did not like to see anyone mistreated or suffer. He tended to take up for the underdog and less fortunate. He had a big heart and would give you the shirt off of his back. Paul always helped those who needed jobs and was always generous to those who were going through tragedies. To have him as a friend was to have a loyal, supportive friend for life.

Paul had the nickname “Free Bird”. Many people never knew him by any other name. His son, Christopher realized this when he was working in a plant in California. As he was explaining who he was in relation to his dad, he realized the worker did not recognize the name “Paul”. He offered up his nickname, “ Free Bird” and the worker with a Big smile on his face quickly acknowledged Paul. As Christopher worked different jobs across the country, he came to realize that “Free Bird” was well known and well liked from coast to coast. The name “Free Bird” stuck to Paul because it seemed to represent the free spirited attitude and approach to life that he lived.

While Paul loved rock and roll music and riding his Harleys, his Greatest Love was that of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. They were his pride and joy. He attended every football, baseball, and basketball game possible of his grandsons. He has also been known to make a trip from Bolivar, LA to North Pike High School, MS just to deliver a fried chicken lunch that his grandson, Ayden had requested. He cherished every moment of their company and was so very proud of them. He was also proud of his daughter and son and the people they had grown to be. His love for them was immeasurable. While his daughter, Christi, and son, Christopher, are now 50 years old, he still called them “Baby Girl” and “Baby Boy”. Paul’s last words were “I love you babies”. Christi and Christopher will forever hold their Daddy’s words in their hearts.

Those left behind to cherish his memories: daughter, Christi Travis; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Michelle Crawford; grandchildren, Seth Travis and wife Shelby, Connor Travis and wife Courtney, and Ayden Travis; great grandchild, Laney Travis; sister, Martha Crain; sister-in-law Debbie Crawford; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Cele Crawford; nephews, Stevie Carrier, Tyler Crawford and wife Alison, Henry Crawford and wife Kristin; nieces, Karesa Aguillard and husband, Carl, and Kalette Crawford; great nieces and nephew, Emeree, Declan, Emilia, and Evynne.

Preceded in death by: his parents, Thelma Cooper Crawford, and Leon and Bonnie Crawford; brother, Douglas Crawford; grandson, Logan Hargis.